Cephalosporins Flashcards Preview

Pharmacology - Antibiotics and Infection > Cephalosporins > Flashcards

Flashcards in Cephalosporins Deck (12)
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1
Q

What are examples of cephalosporins?

A
  • Cefalexin
  • Cefotaxime
  • Meropenem
  • Ertapenem
2
Q

What bacteria to cephalosporins act against?

A

Broad Spectrum

3
Q

How do cephalosporins and carbapenems work?

A

Antimicrobial effect is due to their β-lactam ring - inhibit enzymes responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycans in bacterial cell walls

4
Q

What are important adverse side effects of cephalsporins and carbepenems?

A
  • GI upset
  • Antibiotic associated colitis
  • Hypersensitivity
  • CNS toxicity - Seizures
5
Q

What patient group should carbepenems be used with caution in?

A
  • Epileptics
  • Those at risk of C. diff
  • Renal impairment
6
Q

What are the main drugs which cephalosporins and carbepenems interact with?

A
  • Warfarin
  • Aminoglycosides
  • Valproate
7
Q

How do cephalosporins and carbepenems interact with warfarin?

A

Enhance anticoagulant by killing gut flora that synthesise vit K

8
Q

How do cephalosporins interact with aminoglycosides?

A

Increase the nephrotoxic effect

9
Q

How do carbepenems interact with valproate?

A

Increase plasma concentration and efficacy

10
Q

How often are cephalosporins prescribed?

A

6-12 hrly

11
Q

How can carbepenems be administered?

A

Only IV

12
Q

How can cephalosporins be administered?

A
  • Oral
  • IM
  • IV